Building-mountable construction safety platform apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A safety apparatus for building construction, and preferably for the above-ground construction of a home. The apparatus consists of at least two supports that are coupled directly to the building, either outside an above-ground floor and/or proximate the roof. The purpose of the apparatus is to provide fall protection for a person working on the roof or otherwise above-ground. The main components of the apparatus include at least two supports, planks extending between the supports to define a horizontal falling surface, and guard rails extending between the supports to define a vertical falling surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to construction safety apparatuses and methods and, more particularly, to a safety platform that may be affixed to the frame of a building, such as a house, that is under construction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Persons engaged in certain activities related to the construction of a building, such as a home, face the risk of falling from their work area to the ground below. Particular danger areas include work on the roof and work on a second (or higher floor) where an exterior wall is not yet in place.

[0003] It is desired to provide a safety apparatus and method that can provide fall protection to workers involved in above-ground tasks on a home or other building. The apparatus and method should be secure, and should be relatively easy to couple to the home (or other building) where construction is taking place. The apparatus should not require the assembly of a traditional scaffolding type of structure, which is generally positioned on the ground and which extends upward along one or more sides of a building.

[0004] The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other, related, advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a safety apparatus and method that provides fall protection for workers involved in above-ground tasks on a home or other building.

[0006] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a safety apparatus and method that provides fall protection and that is relatively easy to couple to the home or other building where construction is taking place.

[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a safety apparatus and method that provides fall protection and that is relatively easy to couple to the home or other building where construction is taking place, and that eliminates the need for a ground-based scaffolding type of structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a building-mountable safety apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises, in combination: a first support coupleable to a building at a point that is above ground level; a second support coupleable to the building at a point that is above ground level; at least one plank extending from the first support to the second support and defining a horizontal falling surface; and at least one guard rail extending from the first support to the second support and defining a vertical falling surface.

[0009] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for providing fall protection to a person engaged in an above-ground construction task on a building is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing a first support coupleable to a building at a point that is above ground level; providing a second support coupleable to the building at a point that is above ground level; coupling each of the first support and the second support to the building at the above ground level point; providing at least one plank extending from the first support to the second support and defining a horizontal falling surface; providing at least one guard rail extending from the first support to the second support and defining a vertical falling surface; and a person engaging in an above-ground construction task on the building at a position that is above the first support and the second support, so that in the event the person falls during performance of the above-ground construction task the person shall contact at least one of the plank and the guard rail.

[0010] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a safety apparatus consistent with the present invention, in position proximate the roof portion of a building under construction.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a safety apparatus consistent with the present invention.

[0013]FIG. 3 is a side view of the safety apparatus of FIG. 2, with guard rails and planks thereon.

[0014]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the stud coupling portion of an embodiment of a safety apparatus consistent with the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 5 is a side view of a double stud section of a building under construction, illustrating attachment of the study coupling portion of an embodiment of a safety apparatus consistent with the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 6 is an end view of an embodiment of a safety apparatus consistent with the present invention, without planks or guard rails thereon.

[0017]FIG. 7 is a top view of a first side of a safety apparatus of consistent with the present invention, illustrating a coupling portion, a plank support, and a guard rail support.

[0018]FIG. 8 is a top view of a second side of a safety apparatus of consistent with the present invention, illustrating a coupling portion, a plank support, and a guard rail support.

[0019]FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating a possible positioning of a safety apparatus consistent with the present invention, relative to a roof under construction.

[0020]FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating another possible positioning of a safety apparatus consistent with the present invention, relative to a roof under construction.

[0021]FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating yet another possible positioning of a safety apparatus consistent with the present invention, relative to a roof under construction and relative to the second floor of a building under construction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a safety apparatus 10 consistent with the present invention is shown. The safety apparatus 10 consists generally of at least two supports 12, at least one and preferably a plurality of planks 14, and at least one and preferably a plurality of guard rails 16.

[0023] Referring additionally to FIGS. 3, 6 and 9-11, the supports 12 are now described in greater detail. Each support 12 preferably consist of an upright 20 having at least one and preferably three guard rail supports 18 thereon, a plank support 15 coupled at a first end at a substantially right angle to the upright 20, and an attachment section 22 coupled at a second end of the plank support 15 and that permits attachment of the support 12 to the building 100 that is under construction. As best shown by way of example in FIGS. 1-3, the planks 14 are placed across the plank supports 15, and the guard rails 16 are secured by the guard rail supports 18. Preferably, strengthening members 19 extend from the attachment section 22 to a point proximate where the plank support 15 and guard rail support 18 meet, in order to increase the strength of the support 12.

[0024] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, attachment of the attachment section 22 of the support 12 to the building 100 (see, e.g., FIG. 1) is described. Preferably, a plurality of lag screws 24 are inserted through openings (not shown) in the attachment section 22, and into one or more studs or posts on the building 100. One and one-quarter inch lag screws 24 have been shown to be desirable for this purpose, though lag screws 24 of other lengths, or indeed other hardware such as bolts, could be utilized.

[0025] It is preferred to attach the attachment section 22 to a place on the building 100 where there are two studs 26, three studs 26 (not shown), or a large post (also not shown). While coupling to a single stud 26 may be possible, it is preferred for safety reasons to require at least the use of a double stud 26, so as to guard against accidental detachment of the attachment section 22 in the event that a person 200 falls onto the apparatus 10. Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 7-8, it is preferred that the attachment section 22 have a substantially L-shape, so that it may be coupled along a width and a thickness of the studs 26. And, as shown for example in FIG. 1, one support 12 may be coupled at a corner of the building 100, while another is coupled within a side of the building 100. It may also be possible to provide two supports 12 within a side of a building 100, or to have an apparatus 10 consisting of three (or even more) supports 12 coupled, as desired, along a side of a building 100. For example, where three supports 12 are utilized, it may be desired to place a support 12 at each end of one side (i.e, at the corners), and a third support 12 at substantially a midpoint therebetween. It is generally preferred that supports 12 be spaced no more than about 10 feet apart, so as to reduce the risk that planks 15 could break in the event that a person 200 falls thereon.

[0026] In terms of materials and dimensions, it is preferred that the planks 15 be 2×12's, and that the guard rails 16 be 2×4's. Other dimensions would also be possible, as desired. While the use of wood is preferred, plastic or metal materials could also be substituted.

[0027] The supports 12 are preferably formed from tubular steel. The upright 20 preferably has a length of about 44″, the plank support 15 preferably has a length of about 32″, the strengthening member 19 preferably has a length of about 44″, the guard rail supports 18 are dimensioned to be able to receive a guard rail 16 therein, and the attachment section 22 has a length of about 35″. These measurements are preferred, but even significant deviations are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. It should be noted that it may be preferred to provide gussets (not shown) for purposes of further strengthening the supports 12, proximate the attachment of the upright 20, plank support 15 and strengthening member 19 and/or proximate the attachment of the plank support 15 and attachment section 22.

[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 9-11, in one embodiment, the apparatus 10 is coupled proximate the roof 110 of a building 100 that is under construction. As illustrated by way of comparison in FIGS. 9 and 10, the position of the support 12 relative to the roof 110 may be varied somewhat, so long as the apparatus 10 will prevent a person 100 from falling past the apparatus 10 to the ground. Thus, as shown in FIG. 9, the apparatus 10 could be positioned relatively higher, so that the guard rails 16 will stop a falling person 100. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, the apparatus 10 could be positioned relatively lower, in a manner that might permit a person 100 to fall to the planks 14. An advantage of a relatively lower configuration is that it might permit the use of the apparatus 10 as a scaffold as well as a safety support.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 11, it can be seen that the apparatus 10 may be positioned proximate a second floor of a building 100. (Such placement could be instead of or in addition to the placement of a second apparatus 10 proximate the roof 110.) When used in this manner, the apparatus 10 may particularly permit a dual use as a scaffolding and safety apparatus.

[0030] The term building 100 is intended to capture the full range of edifices that may be constructed. In the preferred embodiment, the building 100 is a home. However, the building 100 may also be a commercial or other non-residential structure.

[0031] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A building-mountable safety apparatus comprising, in combination: a first support coupleable to a building at a point that is above ground level; a second support coupleable to said building at a point that is above ground level; at least one plank extending from said first support to said second support and defining a horizontal falling surface; and at least one guard rail extending from said first support to said second support and defining a vertical falling surface.
 2. The building-mountable safety apparatus of claim 1 wherein said building is a house.
 3. The building-mountable safety apparatus of claim 1 wherein said point is proximate said roof of said building.
 4. The building-mountable safety apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of said first support and said second support comprises: an attachment section coupleable to a building; at least one coupling member adapted to couple said attachment section to said building; a plank support coupled at a first end thereof to said attachment section and extending at a substantially ninety degree angle therefrom; an upright coupled to a second end of said plank support and extending at a substantially ninety degree angle therefrom; and at least one guard rail support located on said upright and adapted to receive said guard rail therein.
 5. The building-mountable safety apparatus of claim 4 wherein said at least one coupling member is a lag screw.
 6. The building-mountable safety apparatus of claim 4 further comprising a strengthening member coupled at one end to said attachment section and at a second end proximate a point at which said upright coupled to said second end of said plank support.
 7. The building-mountable safety apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plank is a 2×12 length of wood.
 8. The building-mountable safety apparatus of claim 1 comprising two planks extending from said first support to said second support.
 9. The building-mountable safety apparatus of claim 1 wherein said plank is a 2×4 length of wood.
 10. The building-mountable safety apparatus of claim 1 further comprising three guard rails extending from said first support to said second support.
 11. A method for providing fall protection to a person engaged in an above-ground construction task on a building comprising the steps of: providing a first support coupleable to a building at a point that is above ground level; providing a second support coupleable to said building at a point that is above ground level; coupling each of said first support and said second support to said building at said above ground level point; providing at least one plank extending from said first support to said second support and defining a horizontal falling surface; providing at least one guard rail extending from said first support to said second support and defining a vertical falling surface; and a person engaging in an above-ground construction task on said building at a position that is above said first support and said second support, so that in the event said person falls during performance of said above-ground construction task said person shall contact at least one of said plank and said guard rail.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein said building is a house.
 13. The method of claim 11 wherein said point is proximate said roof of said building.
 14. The method of claim 11 wherein each of said first support and said second support comprises: an attachment section coupleable to a building; at least one coupling member adapted to couple said attachment section to said building; a plank support coupled at a first end thereof to said attachment section and extending at a substantially ninety degree angle therefrom; an upright coupled to a second end of said plank support and extending at a substantially ninety degree angle therefrom; and at least one guard rail support located on said upright and adapted to receive said guard rail therein.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein said at least one coupling member is a lag screw.
 16. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of providing a strengthening member coupled at one end to said attachment section and at a second end proximate a point at which said upright coupled to said second end of said plank support.
 17. The method of claim 11 wherein said plank is a 2×12 length of wood.
 18. The method of claim 11 comprising the step of providing two planks extending from said first support to said second support.
 19. The method of claim 11 wherein said plank is a 2×4 length of wood.
 20. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of providing three guard rails extending from said first support to said second support. 